Deserving of the Praise: Report Cites Achievements of the Subjects
Commemorating Heroes: Biysk's "Immortal Regiment" Parade
Hearts were brimming with joy, pride, and a touch of sorrow as Biysk spun a vibrant tapestry of emotions during the "Immortal Regiment" parade. This annual procession, part of a national movement, salutes the valiant souls who fought in the Great Patriotic War and other distinguished historical events.
Staged in Garkavy Park and culminating at the Eternal Flame, the parade showcased more than 5,000 participants, the young and the old, marching as one massive column. They carried portraits of their illustrious forebears, who left indelible footprints in the sands of time.
An intimate encounter with the "BR" correspondent offered a glimpse into the inspiring stories behind the portraits, as city dwellers shared their family's war tales and fond memories.
Nadezhda Loginova, accompanied by her grandson, walked the route with a portrait of Mikhail Fedorovich Pavlov. "He was my dad," she beamed with pride. " He was a junior sergeant, fought at Stalingrad. He was wounded on the Leningrad Front. He survived and lived a long life, passing away at the age of 73. Our family is incredibly proud of him," she reminisced.
Evgeniya Bryzhinskaya, joined by her daughter, made their second appearance at the solemn event. "Andrei Yakovlevich Rybakov - my great-grandfather. He was drafted in 1940, went to the front in 1941. He was a rifleman in the division. He went missing in action and died in 1943. My daughter is holding a portrait of Vasily Yakovlevich Bryzin, who fought in the Soviet-Japanese War alongside the Great Patriotic War. He returned home alive, blessed with a long life," Evgeniya shared.
The Khudyakov family, a regular presence since the inception of the march in Biysk, carried pictures of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. "Two of them served in the Great Patriotic War, one was wounded. Another toughed it out in Berlin. Our third ancestor fought against Banderovites. My grandmother used to tell us many stories. For her, it was a sacred holiday. We participate every year, even when the event was called off. Everyone should know about these heroes," the Biysk residents confided.
Tatyana Ilyinikh, accompanied by her grandson Gleb, marked their debut at the solemn march. Beginning with Gleb, the story went: "Victor Ivanovich Kovalev - my great-grandfather, a lieutenant in rifle division. He fought under the Kursk bulge, was wounded. He lay there for three days with his injuries before being found and helped. I am incredibly proud of him for surviving all that," said the young Biysk resident.
Venting her emotions, Tatyana Viktorovna continued, "Victor Kovalev - my father died young after his war wounds reopened. Mother was working at the rear but died too. So, my four siblings were raised by our grandfather, Ivan Petrovich Tsygankov, a junior sergeant who participated in the war and was decorated with a valor medal."
Almost every Biysk household was touched by the Great Patriotic War, evident in the tremendous attendance at the solemn events and the myriad portraits in the "Immortal Regiment."
In Remembrance: A 95-year-old Biysk resident marks Victory Day.
The overall "Immortal Regiment" procession in Biysk is a poignant, grassroots initiative honoring heroes of the Great Patriotic War and other significant historical events. This moving event allows contemporary generations to forge a connection with their family histories and pays tribute to the sacrifices made during times of war, fostering personal and national remembrance.
Engrossed in the scenic backdrop of Garkavy Park and the Eternal Flame, Biysk residents flaunt their commitment to sustainable living and preserve their home-and-garden lifestyle. daily routines take a backseat as they focus on upholding the legacy of their war heroes by participating in the city's "Immortal Regiment" procession.
The Khudyakov family, for instance, prioritizes this parade as a sacred tradition, sharing stories about their forebears who fought in the Great Patriotic War, with two of them incurring wounds and one fighting against Banderovites. For the Biysk residents, the "Immortal Regiment" is not just a historical commemoration, but a tribute to their lifestyle of sustainable living, rooted in the values of respect, perseverance, and family ties.